Fedeli & Bartolucci playing politics with the future of the north

General Chairperson’s Association
News Release

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Representatives from the General Chairperson’s Association (GCA) which represents all unionized employees at Ontario Northland (ONTC) are appalled that Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli continue to play cheap party politics on an issue as serious as the privatization of the ONTC.

“It is very clear where they both stand on the issue. Both believe Ontario Northland should be privatized. Mr. Fedeli is simply arguing about the way the McGuinty Government is doing it”, stated GCA spokesperson Brian Kelly.

“Minister Bartolucci continues espousing his party’s line that the ONTC will be sold, his comments that this process will be done by March 2013 is an attempt to quell the continuing pressure his government faces over this ill-conceived idea. If the process is to be open and transparent as he claims, then there is no way they can get it completed in that time frame”, added Kelly.

“Mr. Fedeli and Minister Bartolucci both continue to ignore the Communities, Chamber of Commerce and Citizens of the North who are asking for A New Deal for Ontario Northland. Mr. Fedeli should quit playing politics and support his constituents and the North in its fight to stop the fire sale of the ONTC and back the New Deal Group”, continued Kelly.

“Northerners know that privatization will be disastourous for the communities of the North and the sooner Mr. Bartolucci and Mr. Fedeli come to that realization the better”, concluded Kelly.

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